What Happens on Vacation... - Brenda Jackson (HD #2863 - Apr 2022)

Series: Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws (Book 4)

What happens in Napa Valley stays in Napa Valley…
Right?
 
For Alaskan senator Jessup Outlaw, a Napa Valley vacation starts out as innocent R and R—until he meets Paige Novak. Their chemistry is explosive! And the temptation to have the Hollywood star for himself proves irresistible… but the spotlight’s trained on her every move. Is the timing finally right for Jess’s personal desires to come ahead of his career? Or will their vacation romance crash into reality with the return of a familiar face from Paige’s past?
 
Another Westmoreland/Outlaw bites the dust though he doesn't fight it. Senator Jess Outlaw is ready for a break from his Senate duties, so he heads to California to stay at his cousin's winery. There he reconnects with Paige Novak, another cousin's sister-in-law. Paige, a Hollywood actress, is between films and also avoiding the fallout from her breakup with a fellow actor.
 
Paige and Jess have known each other for six years. When they met, Paige developed quite a crush on Jess and hoped to draw his attention. Jess was equally interested in Paige but was deep in his campaign for senator. He decided to bury his feelings and concentrate on his career plans. He soon regretted his decision. Whenever they met after that, one or the other was tied up in a project, or most recently, Paige was in a relationship. When Jess finds out she's free; he figures it's finally his time.
 
Paige is more than a little frustrated. She broke things off with her boyfriend, Kemp, when she found out he was sleeping with another actress. Kemp acts like this is just a blip in their relationship, and they'll be back together shortly. Besides the utter disrespect he'd shown her, she had already planned to end things with him. His actions had simply sped up the process. Paige plans to ignore the fuss for as long as possible, but then her sister brings up her place as a role model.
 
When Jess and Paige meet again, the sparks are undeniable. Jess wants nothing more than to make his move on Paige but believes her to be hurting from her breakup. Meanwhile, Paige remembers Jess's apparent disinterest at previous meetings and thinks she is alone in her attraction. When Jess learns of her predicament, he offers himself as proof she's moved on. Though a little wary, Paige can't deny herself a chance to spend time with Jess.
 
I loved watching the development of their relationship. Foremost is Jess's desire to show Paige how he feels. I loved the protectiveness that led him to make the offer in the first place. He makes his opinion of Kemp quite clear, and his respect and admiration for Paige are evident. Jess's statement to the reporters is nothing but the truth though Paige doesn't realize it and thinks he's playing a part. I enjoyed Jess's plans for their time together - have fun, experience new things, and be together. It doesn't take long for the sparks between them to burst into flame. The chemistry between them is explosive, and they enjoy every minute.
 
I loved seeing them get to know each other, sharing conversations about things large and small. I especially liked seeing them talk about the things most important to them. I liked the fun they had together, from hot-air ballooning to bike riding. It was easy to see their feelings for each other grow deeper though neither took that first step to express them. Then trouble arrived in the form of Paige's ex. I wanted to shake Jess for being an idiot and allowing his past to influence what he should have known. Thank goodness for younger brothers who keep their wits about them. Meanwhile, Paige sets Kemp straight in a scene that had me laughing out loud as I read it. Jess had his work cut out for him to make things right with Paige, but he succeeded beautifully in an emotional scene.
 
The epilogue was well done, addressing questions about what comes next for Jess and Paige. I also enjoyed seeing a few other family members and catching up on their lives. Seeing the children of the older members grown-up gives me hope for Westmorelands: The Next Generation.

Highland Wolf - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Jan 2022)

Series: Highlander Brides (Book 10)

In all her daydreams about her wedding day, Lady Claray MacFarlane never once imagined being dragged to the altar by her greedy uncle and forced to marry a man she didn't know. But that's what happened, or would have, had a Highland warrior not snatched her up at the last minute and ridden off with her in his arms. . .
 
They call him the Wolf. The mercenary's courage and prowess in battle are known throughout the Highlands, and with his handsome face and black-as-sin hair, he is as intelligent and deadly as the wolf he was named for…
 
But the Wolf is also Claray's betrothed. Thought to have been killed as a child, he's been in hiding all these years. Now he's determined to earn enough coin to rebuild his home, reclaim his birthright, and honor his marriage contract to Claray. For he's fallen for the tender-hearted lass…and he will do anything to protect her and their future together.
 
This was a fun, typical Lynsay Sands romp through the Highlands. We have the lass in distress/danger, the grumpy Highland hero with the hidden soft heart, the road trip (or two) from one place to another, the evil villain with the grudge against hero or heroine, and the growing feelings that become all-encompassing love. It may be a formula, but it works.
 
Here we have Claray MacFarlane, who believes that she will never marry. Her betrothed died when they were both children, and her father is in no hurry to arrange another marriage. She's a sweet young woman who longs for a family of her own and lavishes her care on the injured animals that she finds. She never expected a visit to her cousin to end with her uncle dragging her to a forced marriage. She's saved from that fate by the arrival of a Highland mercenary known as "The Wolf," who scoops her up and carries her off.
 
I loved Clary's reaction. She believes he's the answer to her prayers for rescue, notices his handsomeness, and recalls the stories she's heard of him. Grateful for her rescue and trusting him instinctively, she promptly falls asleep in his arms. Claray has no idea that The Wolf is Bryson MacDonald, aka Conall, her betrothed, who escaped the slaughter of his family. He was hidden away, and his name changed to protect him until he was grown. For the last twelve years, since earning his spurs, he fought to gain the funds to rebuild his home and reclaim his life and his bride.
 
I loved Conall. She isn't at all what he expected. First of all, she surprised him with her trust though she had no idea why he had rescued her. Then there was his reaction to her rescue of various animals along the journey. First, the bunny, which he thought was for dinner, resulted in a look of horror from Claray. Then the baby stoat (ermine), which he called "vermin." By the time she rescued an injured fox kit, he just shook his head and made room for it. I loved his care for her during the journey, from holding her while she slept to accepting that she doesn't eat meat and finding other things for her to eat.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Claray and Conall develop. Though he's a fierce warrior, when it comes to Claray, Conall is kindness itself. He is protective without being overbearing and drawn to her more than any other woman in his life. He does hold onto the truth of his identity a little longer than he should have, but even there, he had his reasons. The more time he spends with her, the stronger his attraction to her grows. There are also a few satisfying instances of jealousy when his cousin tweaks him about his earlier reluctance to marry yet. Claray could have been portrayed as a complete ditz, but though she is somewhat naïve, she is by no means stupid. She had an excellent grasp of her uncle's plan and that of his coconspirator. She was sweet but not a pushover and knew how to get her way when it was important to her. She was attracted to Conall but torn because of the teachings of the family priest.
 
Once Claray and Conall were married, their relationship continued to grow as they worked together to return his home and lands to their former glory. I loved their teamwork and seeing them pull everyone together. But not everyone is happy to see the progress. When someone shoots an arrow at them while they are cavorting at the pond, the question is who and why? Is it the person responsible for the deaths of Conall's family, back to finish the job? Or is it Claray's rejected bridegroom trying to get her back? The intensity goes up when another attack succeeds in injuring Claray, and there is still no clue who is behind it. The third time is nearly the charm, as the attacker tries again. I was glued to the pages as the bizarre reason for the attacks was explained and watched Claray try to talk her way out of danger. I was surprised and creeped out by the final player and happy to see their end. I adored that Claray's rescues played a significant part in that ending. With some good news regarding the other threat to their happiness, Claray and Conall are finally free to live their lives.
 
I loved seeing characters from other books in the series, such as Aulay and Alick Buchanan. It was very special to see Annabel and Ross MacKay from the first book in the series (An English Bride in Scotland). Conall is their nephew; his mother was Ross's sister Giorsal. Other secondary characters, such as Payton and Roderick, kept Conall and Claray safe when permitted to stay close and served as a bit of conscience when Conall needed it. My favorite secondary characters were the four-footed, furry ones. Each one had a story and distinct personality, and several played critical roles in the book.
 
I can't wait to see what is next for the Highland Brides. Perhaps one of Claray's sisters?

Silver Creek Bodyguard - Lindsay McKenna (Zebra - Apr 2022)

Series: Silver Creek (Book 4)

With a fresh start in the heart of big sky country, Sara Romano is thrilled to bring her herbal remedies to the lovely people of Silver Creek, Wyoming.  But when her dark past follows her, and  Sara is nearly killed, she knows she is in imminent danger. Reluctantly accepting the bodyguard her mother hires, Sara opens her home to Wes Paxton. Trained to protect, the ruggedly handsome stranger soothes her fears, making Sara feel cared for in a way she has not felt in a long time.  If only she had the courage to tell him her family’s secrets. . . .
 
A former orphan who found family in the military, Wes can’t ignore the feeling that Sara is holding back.  The more time he spends with her, the more he understands how afraid she is—which only sends his well-honed protective instincts into overdrive.  So when danger finally closes in, Wes is an army of one, ready to do anything to protect the woman he’s falling hard for . . .
 
A terrific addition to the Silver Creek series with a sweet romance and gripping suspense. Sara came to Silver Creek looking for a fresh start away from the threats posed by her criminal father and half-brother. Her brother Manny wants her dead so that he can inherit their father's estate. Her father, Leo, is already in prison for his illegal activities, and Manny wants to take over his father's trafficking and drug empire. Sara's mother, Tsula, divorced Leo years earlier after finding out about his unsavory business, and except for required visitation, Sara has always lived with her mother, a successful businesswoman in her own right. Sara spent summer with her grandmother on the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina, learning about healing with herbs from Adsila. When Sara moved to Silver Creek, her mother insisted on hiring a bodyguard to protect her.
 
Wes left the SEAL teams a year earlier after an injury made it impossible for him to continue. His former Team leader, Steve, offered Wes a job with his security company in Silver Creek. A man with no family, who grew up in less-than-ideal foster homes, Wes feels somewhat adrift without his SEAL family. His one anchor and exposure to a typical loving family, Tom, led by example in showing Wes how to be an honorable man. He also encouraged Wes to take the job with Steve. When Wes arrives in Silver Creek, Steve already has an assignment for him - serving as a bodyguard for Sara.
 
I loved the first meeting between Wes and Sara. The previous bodyguard hadn't worked out because of his bad attitude, so Sara is wary of Wes's suitability. The idea is for Wes to serve as Sara's assistant, giving him a plausible reason to be there. Wes and Sara hit it off right away. Wes's SEAL background was as a medic, so he has the experience and a fascination with Sara's work with herbs. I loved their long and honest conversation about expectations and beliefs. Neither of them mentions the immediate attraction and connection that they felt. Wes fights his feelings because they could be a distraction to providing the best protection for Sara. Sara can't read Wes's feelings and doesn't want to make things awkward between them.
 
Over the first several chapters, Wes and Sara build an excellent working relationship and the beginning of a strong friendship. I loved seeing their emotional barriers start to fall as they got to know each other better. Their personalities are complementary, with Wes being a warrior with a bit of healing energy, while Sara is a healer with a warrior core. Those qualities become very important when trouble finds them.
 
During those first few chapters, we also look at Manny and his plans for Sara, his father, and the Mafia business he attempts to control. Those scenes contribute to the building tension as the reader gets a good idea of what will happen; we just don't know when. By the sixth chapter, we get that answer, and the intensity of the action and suspense kept me glued to the pages. Wes's abilities as a SEAL are all that stands between them and death. I loved seeing Sara's inner warrior emerge and blend seamlessly with Wes's actions. There were several heart-stopping moments when I wasn't sure how they would get out of it. I especially enjoyed seeing Sara get her licks in at the end of this event.
 
Because Sara is still alive, we know that Manny will not give up his murderous intentions. Once again, the tension builds as they wait for the other shoe to drop. I could feel Sara's desire for it all to be over as she and Wes visited the Wishing Tree. I ached for her and her belief that she would have to run again, leaving her new life behind. I could feel her fear when Manny himself made an appearance this time. I absolutely did not see the resolution of this confrontation coming and loved seeing it happen. I also enjoyed seeing Sara and her mother deal with the ramifications in a manner consistent with their beliefs.
 
I liked seeing Wes and Sara's relationship progress past the friendship they allowed themselves initially. I loved the slow build of the romance, which feels more realistic to me. I found it especially heartwarming to see how they loved and supported each other. I've noticed that the author usually gives the characters time to get to know each other before becoming intimate. I loved their visit to Sara's grandmother, whose insight into Wes was terrific. She knew exactly what to do, and I loved the difference it made to Wes. The changes in him were amazing, though he still had some moments of insecurity. His big moment at the end had a touch of one of those moments, which made its sweetness even more emotional.
 
One of the things I like about this series is how each book introduces an earth-related theme. Herbs, woodworking, organic farming and ranching, beekeeping (my favorite so far) are all addressed. I've learned a lot from these books and following the author on Facebook. The vividness of the descriptions, from the setting to the earth-friendly elements, pulls me deeper into the story. I also liked the inclusion of the Native American elements and the layers they added to the story. I can't wait for the next book.

First Responders on Deadly Ground - Colleen Thompson (HRS #2149 - Sept 2021)

A disaster drew them close
…and now they're in inescapable danger.
 
Ever since a powerful family destroyed his mother's life, helicopter paramedic Jude Castleman has burned for justice. Only now, working with widowed flight nurse Callie Fielding, does it seem possible. Discovering they are linked to the same fatal chopper crash, the grief-stricken pair embark on a high-risk plan of revenge and closure…as they try to resist their even riskier attraction.
 
Gripping suspense combined with a great romance. The beginning was intense as Callie and Jude are part of a medevac crew called out on a stormy night. Callie experiences a flashback to the flight four years earlier that killed the patient and all the crew except her, including her husband. When they discover the same wealthy family pulled strings for this non-life-threatening case, Callie lambasts the patient's entitled mother. Jude is furious when he finds out it's the same family he holds responsible for destroying his mother's life.
 
Jude recently moved to Texas from Arizona to take a job with LifeWings and investigate the Kingston family. He's worked with Callie multiple times and has a great deal of respect for her. Though she never talks about the crash that changed her life, Jude suspects she feels the same way he does about the Kingstons. When Jude explains his connection to the family and his desire for justice for his mom, Callie is all-in to help him.
 
The tension is immediately apparent when Callie learns that Jude sent a letter to Beau Kingston detailing the proof of his claim. She believes that Jude is in danger because Beau won't want the truth to come out. Jude is skeptical but becomes a believer when he is forced off the road and nearly dies later that night. Thanks to a complaint by the woman the previous night, Callie is removed from flight duty pending an investigation. Because of his injuries, Jude is placed on medical leave, so the two of them come up with a plan to get the further proof they need. Complicating matters, Jude's apartment was trashed while he was in the hospital by someone who was clearly searching for something.
 
I could not put the book down as Callie and Jude fought to stay one step ahead of those determined to keep Jude from revealing the truth. Their deceptive entry into the Kingston home ended badly and sent them on the run. Every time it looked as though they were safe, their pursuers would find them again. A couple of plot twists caused me to rethink my initial suspicions, and I wondered how Jude's quest would turn out. The final confrontation revealed some new information and a change in perspective. There was also one last attempt on Jude's life. I loved the ending and the surprise waiting for Jude and Callie.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jude and Callie. It began as coworkers only. Callie shut herself off from the people around her, still grieving her husband after four years. She refuses to let herself care for anyone again. Jude breaks through her walls a little when he pulls her out of her flashback and more when he invites her to join his quest for justice. Jude is attracted to Callie but backs off when she insists that she has nothing to give him. As they spend time together, Callie is dismayed to discover that she is no longer frozen with grief and that Jude stirs up feelings buried for four years. I got a little frustrated with her when she'd give in to the attraction then pull away because it was so unfair to Jude. He was aware of his feelings well before Callie was, and I ached for the way he hurt. It didn't stop him from caring or wanting to protect her, even though she didn't want to be protected. There were some harsh words exchanged when Jude's protectiveness took over. The catalyst for Callie's realization of her feelings created a nail-biting situation as she raced after Jude. What happened next was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would turn out.  The scene at the hospital was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing Callie finally let go of the past.
 
There was a secondary storyline involving Callie's mother and her abusive husband. I ached for Callie, who'd been trying to help her mom for years. There were some twists in that story as Callie dealt with her mom's issues while she was running for her life. I loved how the similarities between their mothers' lives influenced Jude and Callie's plans. 

Christmas Data Breach - K.D. Richards (HI #2030 - Oct 2021)

Series: West Investigations (Book 3)

A mysterious fire is set at Christmas…
Forcing a security expert to reunite with the woman he never forgot
 
Security specialist Gideon Wright knows Mya Rochon's cancer research is groundbreaking. But when an arsonist destroys his ex-wife's lab and puts her at risk, he discovers it's dangerous, too. With Gideon's protection, Mya's determined to finish her project -- no matter the risk to her life…or Gideon's heart. But will their rekindled partnership face its most deadly adversary yet?
 
Good second chance romance accompanied by action-packed suspense. The story started with a bang as someone torched Mya's lab and tried to kill her. Fortunately, she had the presence of mind to make her way to her ex-husband's house. Gideon is an investigator with West Investigations, and she knows she can trust him.
 
Gideon was stunned to find Mya on his doorstep in the middle of the night, looking the worse for wear. Once he heard what happened, his protective instincts kicked in. Rumors about her cancer treatment research run rampant, her two coworkers end up dead, and the local cop seems intent on pinning the blame on Mya. As Gideon and Mya pursue their investigation, every new lead raises more questions. At the same time, the attacks on Mya intensify in frequency. Despite the betrayals she's endured at the hands of her coworkers, Mya is determined to reassemble her research and prove that it works. I was glued to the pages as she and Gideon made the trip to retrieve the last pieces she needed, only to face the worst betrayal of all. The final confrontation was a nail-biter when Mya found herself running through the woods yet again. I loved seeing her face down her pursuer and kept my fingers crossed that Gideon would arrive in time. The resolution was excellent, and I liked seeing everything come together for her at the end.
 
I also enjoyed the rekindling of the relationship between Mya and Gideon. They were friends as kids, sweethearts in high school, and married right after graduation. But they were very young, and the marriage ended after four years, mainly because Gideon loved her too much to keep her tied to him. Twelve years later, their chemistry was as strong as ever when they met again, though both tried to ignore it. I loved that Mya has the strength to stand up to Gideon's overprotectiveness when he tries to leave her behind. Their clashes were intense, but she never backed down. The more time they spent together, the hotter the sparks burned until they could no longer resist. I liked seeing how Mya broke through Gideon's walls and found out why he had pushed her away all those years ago. I liked seeing them admit that they'd never stopped loving each other. The ending was sweet and romantic as Gideon's big moment had all the emotion Mya could hope for. 

The Bluebonnet Battle - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Mar 2022)

In Bonnet, Texas, Liddy Latham, the queen of funeral dinners, keeps a southern comfort-food tradition alive—until fancy-schmancy Matilda Monroe moves back to town. She wants room at the table for her own style of consolation and closure: healthy, modern, and vegan. But this is about more than fried chicken versus tofu turkey. Matilda’s return is also stirring up their volatile, unresolved history. And just when they thought it couldn’t get more personal…
 
Matilda’s son, Nick, and Liddy’s niece, Amelia, have met and the sparks are flying. For Matilda and Liddy, their precious kin’s romance is their worst nightmare. Now, it’s all Nick and Amelia can do to survive a family feud that has the whole town talking.
 
The battle for the funeral dinner crown is on. As two strong-willed women wrestle for control, making peace with the past may be the only way to serve the star-crossed lovers a happy ending.
 
Carolyn Brown writes marvelous Southern small-town stories, and this was no exception. The characters are believable, and the setting is quintessential small-town. The story opens with the traditional Southern reaction to a death - bring food. Liddy Latham, a lifetime resident of Bonnet, is the uncontested queen of funeral dinners. She coordinates the details, supervises the setup, and ensures that all runs smoothly. Liddy has a big heart and loves helping others.
 
Mathilda Monroe, who grew up in Bonnet but left as soon as she found a rich man to marry, is now divorced and has returned to Bonnet. She has her own ideas of what should be served at the dinners and is determined to have her way. Mathilda is one of those people who believes she is always right, and if something goes wrong, it is someone else's fault. She is opinionated, snobby, and obnoxious.
 
Liddy and Mathilda have a history that goes back decades, and it isn't pretty. Liddy is determined to protect Bonnet and its way of life, while Mathilda wants to "civilize" it and destroy Liddy in the process. The encounters between these two women are epic as Mathilda tries to steamroller over Liddy and anyone else who gets in her way. Case in point: the Festival. Mathilda swoops into the last meeting with grand ideas on how to "improve" it while eliminating any of the traditional things that everyone looks forward to. I loved seeing Liddy and most other committee members shoot her down with logic. Confrontations continue with Mathilda growing more frustrated each day.
 
Accompanying Mathilda to Bonnet was her son Nick. His Uncle Harry (Mathilda's older brother) is the local real estate agent and has invited Nick to take over the business as he retires. Nick is good-looking, charming, and nothing like his mother. He avoids her whenever possible, ignores her when he can, and stands up to her when he must. Having witnessed his parents' marriage, Nick intends to remain a bachelor like Harry. Then he spots a woman across the church fellowship hall.
 
Amelia is Liddy's niece and a schoolteacher. She's sweet, kind-hearted, and helps Liddy whenever she can. She recently ended a relationship that has left her wary of men and distrustful of her judgment. She's grown up on stories of the feud between her family and Mathilda's.
 
When Nick and Amelia meet, there is no hiding the sparks that light up the air around them. Their relatives make it plain that a relationship is impossible, though Mathilda's attitude is far more vicious. But Nick and Amelia find ways to meet in secret, which is not easy in a small town. There are some creative encounters where they are helped by friends, resulting in strong reactions. I loved seeing them get to know each other and grow closer with every meeting. Amelia worries a little about it being a case of " forbidden fruit," but Nick is sure of his feelings. I loved how Harry stepped in with an invitation to visit him in Florida so they could explore their feelings away from the pressure of their families.
 
I loved the ending as Amelia and Nick make their decision. The question then becomes one of their families' reactions. I loved seeing Liddy work through her feelings, facing what would happen depending on what she did. I wasn't surprised by her decision and laughed out loud at her phone call with Amelia. Neither was I surprised at Mathilda's reaction. The capper was the conversation between Liddy and Mathilda. The setting was perfect, and the preacher's actions made it even better.

 
 

The Heiress and the Baby Boom - Lauri Robinson (HH #1634 - Feb 2022)

Series: Osterlund Saga (Book 2)

From high school enemies
To shotgun wedding!
 
Growing up, heiress Randi Osterlund found the only person who didn't care who her parents were was penniless Jason Heim -- until a bitter exchange left bad blood between them. Now, years later, Randi needs Jason's land for a business venture, but the self-made man refuses to sell. There was always something burning between them, and when their arguing turns into one unforgettable night, the consequences risk adding to the '50s baby boom!
 
Terrific follow-on to Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress. Randi is the daughter of Randal and Jolie from that book and is a chip off both blocks. She is independent, driven, and more than a little stubborn. Rather than go to work for her mother's clothing company, Randi set her sights on her father's Air America airline company. She's worked for Randal for several years and has earned his respect. Unfortunately, she is constantly undermined by a misogynistic, chauvinistic, and generally annoying coworker. With her dad about to start a run for the US Senate, Randi feels she needs to do something big to show him that he can trust her to lead the company. Her idea to build their own plane-washing facility needs the land next to the airport to make it possible. The problem is that the land is owned by Jason Heim, her high school crush - until a misunderstanding turned them into bitter enemies.
 
Jason grew up as the son of a poor man who drank too much. At the age of twelve, Jason started working to pay the bills and keep food on the table. His father had an intense hatred for the wealthy, especially the Osterlunds, and swore they would never get his land. Jason was a bit of a hell-raiser as a youth, racing around in his hot rod and flirting with the girls. Nobody knew that he only had eyes for Randi until the night he got up the nerve to ask her out, and she laughed. Then his attempt to do something for her brother got him sent to reform school instead, and their enmity seemed set in stone.
 
The book opens as Randi takes courage in hand and shows up at Jason's house with a purchase proposal. The sparks fly as he flat-out refuses to sell no matter what she says. They part in anger again, but Randi refuses to give up. Their subsequent encounter starts just as antagonistic, but Jason inexplicably invites Randi to go with him to a little friend's birthday party. With the land purchase set aside, Randi and Jason discover a mutual love of milkshakes and dancing, and suddenly the sparks of attraction overcome those of antagonism. A goodnight kiss turns into a night of passion with unexpected consequences.
 
When Jason finds out about the baby before Randi can tell him, he heads right for her parents' house. There's no way he will be left out of his child's life. I wanted to shake him for how he handled it, as it got their relationship off on the wrong foot. Jason insists on marriage, and Randi goes along with him to prevent a scandal from harming her father's political aspirations. The wedding happens quickly, without Jason and Randi having a chance to get to know each other or talk much about their future. They agree to fake being in love when they are in public to save face for both.
 
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Randi and Jason. They make the best of their marriage, working their jobs, settling into life together. They have their routine of dinner, cleanup, watching shows like I Love Lucy or the Red Skelton Show, or listening to the radio. Their active sex life hides their doubts and insecurities, but eventually, they start to feel the effects. When a fire damages their house, they move in with Randi's parents, and Jason's insecurities hit home. Despite his successful construction business, he feels he can't provide Randi with the life she's accustomed to - even though she shows no interest in that lifestyle.
 
Randi and Jason are deeply in love, but neither dares to tell the other of their feelings, fearing rejection. The fire and moving into Jason's childhood home fuel his insecurities. Randi's unhappiness at Jason's belief that he couldn't be loved led her to take an unexpected risk. I loved the emotional result of that risk and the change it made in their relationship. I loved the ending and the excitement of the baby's arrival. Trust Randi to make it an especially memorable experience. The epilogue was terrific, and I loved seeing how Jason and Randi found their path to making their dreams come true. I'd love to see a book for their kids but the 1970s might be a little too recent for the Harlequin Historical line.
 
Another thing I loved about this book was seeing how Jolie and Randal's story continued. I liked catching up on how they realized their dreams, and their love grew stronger. Their example was a big part of what Randi wanted for herself and hugely impacted Jason and his beliefs about wealthy people. I loved how Jolie and Randal found ways to help Randi and Jason get past their problems by sharing the beginning of their marriage.

I loved the cover with Randi's beautiful red dress and Annette-style hair. Jason's iconic "bad boy" black jacket and red Chevy were the perfect touch to go with them.